In a world that often seeks to crowd Jesus out, where busyness abounds, and hearts are pulled to focus on other things, it can be hard at times to choose to keep Him first. It’s all too easy to get caught up in the hurried dash of the holidays, giving our attention to what seems more urgent or pressing. Our focus gets blurred; and the most important gets pushed aside, even in the midst of the Advent season.
It takes active and daily decisions to put Christ first, especially in a culture that says we’re too busy to focus there, or that life is too full and there’s no more room.
May God help us choose wisely this season whose voices we listen to and where we give our attention and time.
Jesus truly is the only One worthy of our focus as we slow down the maddening rush around our lives, reflecting on the gift of hope, joy, and peace He continually offers us.
For He is the One who brings true meaning to Christmas.
May He fill us afresh with His hope this Advent season, as we press in close to His presence, seeking to know Him more.
In a world that often seeks to crowd Jesus out, where busyness abounds, and hearts are pulled to focus on other things, it can be hard at times to choose to keep Him first. It’s all too easy to get caught up in the hurried dash of the holidays, giving our attention to what seems more urgent or pressing. Our focus gets blurred; and the most important gets pushed aside, even in the midst of the Advent season.
It takes active and daily decisions to put Christ first, especially in a culture that says we’re too busy to focus there, or that life is too full and there’s no more room.
May God help us choose wisely this season whose voices we listen to and where we give our attention and time.
Jesus truly is the only One worthy of our focus as we slow down the maddening rush around our lives, reflecting on the gift of hope, joy, and peace He continually offers us.
For He is the One who brings true meaning to Christmas.
May He fill us afresh with His hope this Advent season, as we press in close to His presence, seeking to know Him more.
Photo Credit: Unsplash
1. A Prayer for Our Attention
“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” (Luke 2:6-7)
Dear God,
Help us to keep our focus first on Christ this season. Forgive us for giving too much time and attention to other things. Help us to reflect again on what Christmas is truly all about. Thank you that you came to give life, peace, hope, and joy. Thank you that your power is made perfect in our weakness. Help us to remember that the gift of Christ, Immanuel, is our greatest treasure, not just at Christmas, but for the whole year through.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
2. A Prayer for God's Presence
"...She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means 'God is with us')." (Isaiah 7:14)
Dear God,
We ask that you would fill us with the joy and peace of your Spirit today. Direct our hearts and minds towards you. Thank you for your reminder that both in seasons of celebration and in seasons of brokenness, you’re still with us. For you promise to never leave us. Thank you for your daily powerful presence in our lives, that we can always rest assured your heart is towards us, your eyes are over us, and your ears are open to our prayers. Thank you that you surround us with favor as with a shield, and we are safe in your care. We choose to press in close to you as we celebrate this season of Advent, keeping you first in our hearts and lives.
Our Immanuel…God with us.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
3. A Prayer for the Light of Life
“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
Dear God,
Thank you that so many years ago when the skies were black and times felt uncertain, Jesus came. Light-bringer. Hope-instiller. Ushering the way of hope to push back the darkness. And He still does this today, through our lives, in our world. Pushing back the dark with His light and truth. When we're troubled and hurting, when we feel lonely or afraid, He is our Wonderful Counselor. When we need to see a miracle in life, when we need someone to fight for us, He is our Mighty God. When we forget who we belong to, when we need to be reminded that we're greatly loved and cared for, He is our Everlasting Father who loves to give good gifts to His children. When we feel anxious and worried, when we need a reminder that our future is secure no matter what swirls around us, He is our Prince of Peace.
Thank you Lord, for your goodness and mercy. We cling to you today and ask you to shine in us, through us, over us, so that the power of your light and hope are evident to the whole world.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
4. Praise for the Gift of Jesus
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)
Dear God,
Thank you for the gift of Jesus! We celebrate the treasure of all that He is in our lives, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, and so much more. We recognize His powerful presence over all, and we worship Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
5. A Prayer for His Healing and Grace
“…I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)
Dear God,
We thank you that you made a way for us to be set free through the sacrifice of Christ on our behalf. Thank you for giving us the gift of eternal life to all that have believed in your Name. We bring to you today every need and concern that we have, every fear and pain of loss we’ve experienced this year. We ask for your healing and grace, for your strength and your peace to fill us afresh.
We draw near to you and thank you that you are close.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
6. A Prayer for Freedom from Fear
"But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy the will be for all the people.” (Luke 2:10)
Dear God,
You remind us over and over through the power of your words not to be afraid, never to be held back by fear or defeat. And yet, all too often, we find ourselves gripped in its stronghold, struggling to be free and to trust you more. Thank you that your perfect love truly does cast out all fear. That the power of your Spirit within our lives is more powerful than the enemy or any battle we may face. Thank you that you alone can bring us victory the world can never take away. And we are more than conquerors through your love and power. We leave our doubts, fears, and worries safely in your mighty hands, and trust that you will take care of all that concerns us in your perfect timing and ways.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
7. Praise for the Gift of Salvation
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
Dear God,
We’re so incredibly grateful for the gift of love demonstrated to the world through the gift of your son Jesus, and for His powerful life and sacrificial death on the cross. Thank you Lord, that perfect love was demonstrated in that while we were still sinners, and far away from you, Christ died for us, so that we might have life, abundant and free. Help us never to take this most precious gift for granted, but to daily reflect on the greatness of your love and gift to us.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
8. A Prayer for His Perfect Rest
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
Dear God,
Thank you that your yoke is easy, and your burden is light. Thank you for your promise to give to us, those who feel worried, hurried, pressured, and stressed, deep rest and peace for our souls if we'll just come before you. Thank you for your reminder that we don't have to carry it all on our own. Please forgive us for the times we’ve tried hard to be self-sufficient, for not taking time to rest. Thank you for the refreshing that comes only from your Spirit, filling us with joy, covering us with your shield of favor and blessing, leading us forward in hope.
Equip us to be people who take the time to notice those around us who are hurting; the lonely, the battle-weary. Help us to slow down, and more than anything, to find rest in your presence and point others to you.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen.
9. A Prayer for Humble Hearts
“When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:10-11)
Dear God,
Just as the wise men traveled such a great distance to find Jesus, bringing gifts for a King, humbling themselves before him, bowing in worship; may we do the same. We recognize our great need for a Savior. We confess our need for you and thank you for your great gift that paved the way for us to live free.
Would you do a mighty work in our hearts this Advent season, drawing us closer to your presence. Help us to be willing to humble ourselves, lay aside the stuff that doesn’t really matter, and worshipping the One who does. We offer you our gifts this season; renewed commitment to focus first on you, a fresh start for this new season, our hearts, our lives offered to you.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
10. Praise for the Hope Placed within Us
“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19)
Dear God,
Just as Mary reflected on the powerful stories of Jesus as they unfolded through his life, would you please help us to also treasure, and keep safe, all the miracles You have done in our own lives. You have allowed us to carry your great light and hope into a dark world because of the gift of Christ. Help us to be a beautiful reflection of your goodness every day, that it would cause others to take notice of you within us.
So much grace.
Hope embraced.
Thank You Lord.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Debbie McDaniel is a writer, pastor's wife, mom to three amazing kids (and a lot of pets). Join her each morning on Fresh Day Ahead's Facebook page, for daily encouragement in living strong, free, hope-filled lives. Find her also on Twitter and at her blog www.debbiemcdaniel.com.
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